LWU School of Professional Counseling Celebrates Students Who Weathered the Storms

Remote Pinning Ceremony COLUMBIA, Ky. (08/13/2026) — Life is about learning to appreciate storms, even when you're in them.

That was one of the messages delivered to Lindsey Wilson University students in the School of Professional Counseling's two virtual pinning ceremonies, held Wednesday, Aug. 12. The school celebrated 113 students who will graduate on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the university's first summer commencement, which will be held at 2 p.m. CT in Biggers Sports Center.

The students who participated in Wednesday evening's online pinning ceremonies were located in 17 states, as far away as Arizona. Many were joined on the screen by proud and excited family members and friends. Some LWU students attended the virtual ceremonies while children sat on their lap, and a few included a family pet dog or cat on the screen. Rather than applauding each students' name when it was read during the ceremony, students celebrated by clicking on a congratulatory icon that floated across the screen.

'Appreciate those storms'

When School of Professional Counseling Dean Jeff Parsons addressed the graduate students, he reported that a storm was blowing outside his window in Kentucky, which he said made for an appropriate metaphor.

"For some of you, during some of your time and studies, it's probably felt a little stormy," said Parsons. "But there will always be new storms. You're going to run into times that will test and challenge you, blinding winds and rains that will block your sight. Sometimes those storms can do real damage."

Parsons encouraged the students to "appreciate those storms" and learn from them.

"They can be difficult and they can be challenging, but they also can strengthen us in ways we don't always see in the moment," he said. "And they can give us perspective and compassion for other people. I hope you appreciate the storms, even when you're in them."

'This is only the beginning'

Graduate student Brittany Sulfridge of Williamsburg, Kentucky, said in her remarks to the group that her academic journey was punctuated by a few stormy moments, but she said those experiences only strengthened her resolve to earn a master's degree.

"This journey has challenged me in some ways I had expected and some I did not," she said.

Like many of her classmates, Sulfridge had to balance school with work and parenting.

"I kept going, and a huge reason for that was for my children," she said. "I wanted them to see me finish this. I wanted them to see that life does not have to go perfectly for you to accomplish something. Life can change your plans, it can knock you down, it can take you through things you never thought you would have to go through. But as long as you keep getting back up, your story is still being written. This is only the beginning."

A total of 25 students received the LWU School of Professional Counseling Academic Excellence Award.

The undergraduate students who received the award were: Sydney Benningfield of Campbellsville, Kentucky; Emily Brasher of Madisonville, Kentucky; Madison Dingess of Williamsburg; Jason Carl Johnson of Bristol, Virginia; James Lewis of Hyden, Kentucky; Katie Perkins of Abingdon, Virginia; Steven Santee of Eubank, Kentucky; Nichole Starr of Chattaroy, West Virginia; Bryanna Wombles of London, Kentucky; and Tiffany Yates of Abingdon.

The graduate students who received the award were: Megan Elizabeth Baxter of Batesville, Arkansas; Christopher Logan Cox of Clintwood, Virginia; Brooke Dalrymple of Lexington, Kentucky; Molly Goforth of Gainesville, Florida; McKenzie Horton of Dunnville, Kentucky; Christy Jeffries of Shepherdsville, Kentucky; Natiya Jumper of Clarksville, Tennessee; Mi'auna Kinnard of Louisville, Kentucky; Dana R. Leopold of Cincinnati; Julie Price of Goodyear, Arizona; Marissa Raines of Clintwood, Virginia; John Squier of Austin, Texas; Ryder Taylor of Lexington; Kasie Wallace of Pippa Passes, Kentucky; and Karla Yanez of London.

Pictured: A screenshot of the virtual pinning ceremony for graduate students in the Lindsey Wilson University School of Professional Counseling, held online on Wednesday evening, Aug. 12.